I was trying to answer some general questions written in Arabic that were sent to me a couple of days ago, I tried to answer them mentally first as I skimmed through the questions quickly just trying to take some idea about the whole thing. And so I started forming answers, in Arabic inside of my head only to realize that my Arabic language is worse than my English! I was surprised and embarrassed at the same time, but does it help to know that I haven’t really used the formal Arabic language since high school? No it doesn’t. I’m very ashamed of myself, I’m 22 and I can’t form proper Arabic phrases and sentences without making an effort, and what’s even worse is that I found myself thinking in English and then translating every thought to Arabic, which of course resulted with retarded Arabic answers which I would have harshly criticized if I had read them only 5 years ago.
It’s sort of frustrating to me, this whole English/Arabic thing. I’ve joined publich schools my whole life, so naturally English classes were the least valuable and everything I learned about the English language was self-learned mostly through the Internet, because I haven’t really started watching foreign TV programs until the age of 17 or 18, because when I was a child it was prohibited and when I became older I just couldn’t watch them with all the making out scenes and the sexual referneces. Yea I was shy back in the days, but generally speaking, I wasn’t a TV person before so it was the Internet that came to my rescue. In college, the pattern was, 3 words in Arabic and one in English unless I’m talking to proffessors, I wasn’t trying to be cool, in fact, those who intentionally talked to each other in English all the time were very annoying to me. Everything at college was done in English, nothing in Arabic. At work, it was almost entirely English, considering that it was Dubai and many people know how business is conducted there. Then I come to Jordan, and I find myself thinking of the Arabic words for what I’m trying to say, give it a month, and it became hard for me to speak English! With no Internet access at home, and surrounded by people who are judging me all the time, naturally, I thought I lost both my Arabic and my English.
So where is this going? This is Shaden’s way to say it’s time to blog in Arabic before this beautiful language is forever gone. When I started this blog, I chose to write in English because I wanted non-Arabs to read and know, now I want to write in Arabic because I feel guilty and ashamed of myself for not using my mother language. I think it’s time to contribute to the Arabic blogosphere, but I haven’t decided yet whether to make it part of my English blog or dedicate a new blog for Arabic posts only.
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I understand your quandry (I live in a bilingual household) but please keep up the English blog. I think it is vital for non-Arabs like myself to be able to read a blog like yours and to maybe come to a deeper understanding of other people. Thank you for making me think. Keep up the good work.
That’s a commendable decision. Well thought and very honorable from you. It will not be easy at first, but you’ve got what it takes to do it.
I am ashamed as well that I type and express way better in English, and eventually reverted to Arabic. I’m so upset that my typing is so primitive in Arabic.
Someone told me once that it doesn’t matter if you write in English or Arabic, it’s the Arabic culture that is underrepresented on the Internet.
You’re not alone, but you’re brave enough to admit and attempt to
improve and that’s wonderful. And may you have the best of luck
I find it hard to grasp how Arabs in Arabic countries, taught in Arabic schools, living amongst Arabs have a hard time maintaining their native language…the language they grew up on, studied in and mingled with!
And what I find even harder to comprehend is why I, who grew up in a non-Arab country, went to a non-Arabic school, interacted with non-Arabs 95% - if not more - of the time, receive a very annoying reaction regarding my Arabic when I visit back home!
Anyway, didn’t mean to turn this about me
….your decision to start a blog in Arabic is great…hope you dedicate as much time for it as you do for this blog! One Arabic blog that attracts my attention and brings out the beauty of the Arabic language in 7ala’s … I love her choice of words and her style…
I’ll be reading yours!
vtlaw1995: I will keep this blog that’s for sure, I’m really glad to know that you and others read my blog. Thanks a lot for leaving a comment.
Qwaider: thanks
Iman: lol my spoken Arabic is perfect (I guess) and my formal Arabic isn’t that bad either but it was a lot better 5 years ago, now it takes time for me to think about how to say something in formal Arabic if you know what I mean. But It’s more about spreading the language and keeping it alive.
About you, I think you can at least stick to Arabic with family members and Arab friends.
Definitely, But I would say it’s not so much about ’spreading’ it as much as it is about preserving it.
i think language is the problem, i can’t wait until humans evolve psychic capabilities, and we can read each others minds without the need to formally speak or write - non-psychic communication is soooo clunky!
as sucky and ugly as english is (arabic looks so beautiful and flowing :)) it is global, and your blog has helped me and others see a little more of wonderful arabia - don’t neglect da English!
Qwaider (and Shaden), just because you express yourselves in your blogs in English doesn’t mean you are not representing Arabic culture. There is more to culture than just language. And by using English, you are able to share the Arab culture with those outside of it.
Hmmm..good point to be discussed. I decided to write in language I find it closer to me and most of the time it depends on the topic I like to express. For instance I prefer English when I’d like to pass info. lets say declarative post, but If I like to express something too natural or local or funny sitiuation I prefer Arabic since it looks more natural post and closer to reader.
So I don’t like to classify my words in which language gonna be expressed or my blog SHOULD BE English or Arabic..it’s not the point..just express what you like nevertheless in which language.
Dave, I agree with you totally. Take for example that your blog is related to Arabic culture as well. Which is really great
The use of Arabic as a language has it’s perspective on conveying certain ideas. I’m not against using either. I find it interesting and exciting that people express their ideas in both languages. It might not suit some people, but pleasing everyone all the time is impossible
Did this ever happen to you before? Having a topic in your mind insisting so much to write about yet can’t find the right word to describe your thoughts?? Then suddenly you read a post that speaks your mind better than you would have done??
This post is one of those for me!!
true about more to culture than language as expressed above